Dexter Names Takashi Gould as Head Cross-Country Coach

When students return from summer break, a new smiling face will greet the cross-country team.

The school district announced Wednesday that Takashi Gould will serve as head coach for the program during the 2011-12 school year. Gould comes to Dexter following a year and a half as assistant cross-country coach for the Saline Hornets.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with all the students and be a part of this amazing cross-country/track program in Dexter,” Gould said. “It is bittersweet leaving Saline, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Gould acknowledged that coming into a program that already has a strong reputation throughout the state will make his job easier. Last season, both the boys and girls teams ended their seasons in the state’s top 10. Gould will take over for Coach Dave Testa, who announced at the end of last year's season that he was stepping down after four years for personal reasons.

“Obviously, we want to continue to do well in the coming years,” Gould said. “One thing we need to focus on is building up our numbers so we have a strong core of athletes.”

He said he expects to have 30 to 45 runners by the time fall season practice begins Aug. 10.

“We’re just going to take things one day at a time and have a little fun in the process,” Gould said. “Dexter has a talented team of athletes.”

Gould said transitioning from Saline to Dexter wouldn’t be difficult.

“I’m still friends with some of the Saline guys, and I’ll continue to cheer for them throughout the year,” he said. “They are just as excited for me as I begin my next coaching job in Dexter.”